Crispy Chilli Beef
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and crunchy dish featuring tender beef strips coated in a light, double-fried cornstarch batter and glazed with a bold, sweet, tangy, and spicy chilli sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe delivers a dynamic mix of textures and vibrant flavors that can be customized to suit any palate.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Coating
- 500g lean beef strips (sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided)
- Salt and pepper, a pinch each
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)
Chilli Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons red chilli flakes or 1 fresh red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce as needed)
Garnish
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Toss the slices in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to lightly coat and lock in moisture.
- Make the Crispy Coating: Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each beef strip thoroughly in this mixture to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Fry the Beef Twice: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). Fry the beef strips in small batches for about 2 minutes until golden and just cooked; remove and drain on paper towels. Let rest briefly, then fry again for 1-2 minutes to crisp up the coating without overcooking the beef.
- Prepare the Chilli Sauce: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chillies until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Simmer gently to meld flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Coat: Return the crispy beef to the pan with the sauce, tossing quickly to coat each piece evenly for juicy, spicy, and crisp bites.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onions and optional toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or vegetables to enjoy the best texture and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use cold beef to help the cornstarch adhere better for extra crispiness.
- Double-fry the beef to lock in crunch while keeping the meat tender.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature, preventing sogginess.
- Adjust sauce consistency by thinning with water if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- Fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies provide far better flavor than dried substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crispy chilli beef, spicy beef recipe, crunchy beef stir-fry, homemade chilli beef, double fried beef, Asian beef dish, gluten free beef recipe